Cincinnati Bengals News: A Bad Night in Pittsburgh, Updated Playoff Picture and More on the PFN Bengals Podcast

The Cincinnati Bengals saw their playoff hopes take a big hit Saturday night as quarterback Jake Browning looked like a backup for the first time since taking over for Joe Burrow last month. Meanwhile, the defense got whipped at the point of attack without DJ Reader and continued to give up explosive plays.

On the most recent edition of The PFN Bengals Podcast, we recap Bengals-Steelers, discuss where Cincinnati stands in the AFC playoff picture, and preview Bengals-Chiefs.

PFN Bengals Podcast: Clawing Back Into the Wild Card Picture

The Bengals fell from sixth to 10th in the AFC standings thanks to their 34-11 loss to the Steelers. Browning threw three interceptions and the offense had four empty possessions after driving inside the Pittsburgh 35-yard line.

Can Browning go to Kansas City and play the way he did in Weeks 13-15, or will he look closer to the version we’ve seen in his two losses against the Steelers?

MORE: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart

Tee Higgins stepped up in a big way in Ja’Marr Chase’s absence. And he might need to again against the Chiefs with Chase’s availability still in question.

Trenton Irwin got the start in place of Chase, but rookie Andrei Iosivas also played a big role with his most productive game yet, finishing with four catches for 36 yards.

There is less concern about Browning and the offense rebounding as there is with the defense being able to deal with Patrick Mahomes, even if Kansas City’s offense has looked nothing like what we’ve come to expect the last several years.

While the Chase injury will be the biggest thing to watch during the week, the return of Cam Taylor-Britt from injured reserve should give Lou Anarumo’s defense a lift against Mahomes and the Kansas City offense.

We’ll be returning to your airwaves each and every week, so join us next week as we recap Bengals-Chiefs and preview Cincinnati’s Week 18 Battle of Ohio matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

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